Verbal reasoning carries significant weight in the Aylesbury 11+ and rewards vocabulary plus format familiarity. Bond, GL Assessment, CGP and 11+ Exams all publish suitable practice papers covering the standard question types. Work under timed conditions, and build vocabulary through months of reading rather than through last-minute word lists.

For context: 83.6% of families in England were offered their first-preference secondary school for September 2026 entry. — DfE, School applications and offers, 2026

If you're a parent in Aylesbury or nearby areas and are considering enrolling your child in Aylesbury Grammar School, it's essential to prepare them for the 11+ Secondary Transfer Test (STT), particularly the verbal reasoning section. This blog post explores various resources for obtaining practice exam papers and offers tips to help your child succeed.

What Is the 11+ Secondary Transfer Test (STT)?

Why Does Verbal Reasoning Matter?

Verbal reasoning is a critical component of the 11+ STT, assessing a child's ability to understand and reason using words. Mastery of this section can significantly influence the overall performance in the exam.

What Types of Questions Are There?

The verbal reasoning section includes various types of questions such as vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking. Familiarizing your child with these can boost their confidence and performance.

What are resources for practice papers?

What is bond 11+?

Bond 11+ is renowned for its comprehensive range of practice papers tailored for the 11+ exams. These papers cover essential verbal reasoning topics and are designed to challenge students, thus enhancing their problem-solving skills.

What are 11+ exams?

11+ Exams provide a mixture of free and paid resources that are regularly updated to reflect the current exam formats. These resources are invaluable for continuous practice.

What are GL assessment and CGP books?

GL Assessment offers free sample papers, while CGP Books provides a variety of practice papers for verbal reasoning. Both are excellent for extensive practice and real exam simulation.

What are additional preparation tips?

Beyond practice papers, consider integrating other resources such as educational books, past papers, and online materials. Hiring a tutor could also provide tailored support and further boost your child's exam readiness.

What should you do next?

Practice papers are an indispensable tool in preparing for the verbal reasoning section of the Aylesbury Grammar School 11+ STT. Utilizing resources like Bond 11+, 11+ Exams, GL Assessment, and CGP Books will equip your child with the skills needed to excel. Remember, a combination of practice papers and other educational resources will ensure comprehensive preparation, paving the way for your child's success at Aylesbury Grammar School.

What else is worth reading?

What are the honest limits of any grade or percentage figure?

Grade boundaries are set for each exam series, for each board and tier, after marking is complete. Every percentage and boundary described here is a historical example, not a promise: a 2025 boundary tells you about 2025. For the series you are actually sitting, check JCQ and your own board.

Every school publishes its own rule, and the national position is short:

“All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places.” — gov.uk, School admissions

Where can you check this at source?

There is no national 11+ exam. Each grammar school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and publishes them in an admissions policy that changes year to year. Always confirm with the school directly, then check the national rules: